Shawna Beaudreau, former Navy veteran and student at Lone Star College-University Park, shares her story about motherhood. Her daughter, Anna, happened to be born at the naval base where Shawna was stationed shortly after 9/11.

Anna, who is now 10 years old, relishes the idea that each morning she and her mother are both preparing for a day at school. “I enjoy spending those moments with my daughter,” said Shawna. “She gets so excited about going to school while I’m heading to class, too.”

While Anna attends a local public elementary school, Shawna is completing her studies at LSC-University Park on the G.I. Bill. She hopes to obtain a bachelor’s degree in mathematics with a concentration in finance once she transfers to the University of Houston-Downtown. A mom planning for a future where she can provide for her child, Shawna also wants to build a viable career for herself as an actuary.

On Mother’s Day, Shawna planned an outing for lunch with Anna, who she has raised on her own with the support of her generous parents. Her learning journey as a single mom has not been without challenges, but her dedication has paid off. By the end of the semester, Shawna will have maintained a 4.0 grade point average. Also participating in the life of the LSC-University Park campus, she was recently inducted president of the Beta Upsilon Nu Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Society.